The Banking Executive Issue - October 2025 Issue

Ahlibank’s Strategic Rise STRATEGIC FUNDING AND INVESTOR CONFIDENCE One of the defining moves under AlE- frangi’s leadership has been Ahlibank’s strategic forays into inter- national funding markets, which not only bolstered its capital base but also signaled global investor confidence in the bank. In 2021, Ahlibank achieved a milestone by issuing its inaugural Additional Tier 1 capital bond of $300 million in international markets at a remarkably low 4% coupon rate. Shortly thereafter, the bank followed up with a successful $500 million five-year bond issuance (under its $2 billion Euro Medium Term Note pro- gram) at just a 2% coupon in June 2021. Notably, the majority of in- vestors in both issuances came from outside the Middle East. This broad international uptake represented a strong vote of confidence not only in Ahlibank’s credit story but also in Qatar’s economy and financial sector. These funding initiatives had immedi- ate and long-term benefits. They rein- forced Ahlibank’s capital buffers and supported what AlEfrangi calls the bank’s “fortress balance sheet” strat- egy – ensuring that capital adequacy and stable funding are well above regulatory requirements, so the bank can weather any challenges. AlEfrangi has highlighted that such successful bond placements “reflect the contin- ued confidence of global investors in Ahlibank and in the broader eco- nomic vision of the State of Qatar.” In practical terms, the additional capital has allowed Ahlibank to expand lend- ing prudently and support larger proj- ects, while keeping its funding costs competitive. The bank’s ability to tap international markets continued beyond 2021. Re- cently, Ahlibank completed its sixth bond issuance, another $500 million tranche, further cementing its pres- ence in global debt markets. All these efforts contribute to a virtuous cycle: a stronger capital position, diversified funding sources, and enhanced global reputation. They also complement the bank’s strong local deposit base, which grew in 2023 and into 2024 as customers show trust in Ahlibank’s stability and relationship-driven ap- proach. Backed by prominent Qatari shareholders and a nearly 48% own- ership by the Qatar Investment Au- thority, Ahlibank has a solid foundation to support its strategic am- bitions and sustain investor confi- dence over the long term. DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND INNOVATIVE SERVICES While strengthening financial metrics is vital, AlEfrangi’s tenure has also been marked by a forward-looking digital transformation agenda. Recog- nizing that the future of banking lies in technology and convenience, Ahlibank has made major invest- ments in its technology infrastructure to enhance products and the cus- tomer experience. “Ahlibank is spear- heading its digital transformation,” AlEfrangi noted, by building tech-dri- ven solutions that add value for cus- tomers and make banking more efficient. Beyond its own app, Ahlibank has rapidly adopted global best practices in digital banking. In 2022, the bank rolled out support for popular mobile payment methods – including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Wallet, Fit- bit Pay, and Garmin Pay – giving its customers a full suite of modern pay- ment options. The introduction of these services reflects a commitment to stay at the cutting edge of banking technology and respond to customer preferences. It also complements Ahlibank’s continually upgraded on- line and mobile banking platforms, which offer a range of services from simple balance inquiries to complex transactions, all secured by robust cy- bersecurity measures. Indeed, AlE- frangi has emphasized that protecting customers’ data and transactions is a top priority, noting that the bank in- vests in “strong cyber security” and continuous system improvements to keep banking “sophisticated and se- cure” for users. In 2023, Ahlibank fur- ther pushed innovation in customer service technologies, aligning its ef- forts with Qatar Central Bank’s latest strategic framework for the financial sector. This included introducing more automation and intelligent sys- tems to improve service speed and personalization. The digital transformation drive is not just about technology for its own sake – it is squarely aimed at enhancing customer convenience and satisfac- tion. AlEfrangi describes the goal as delivering “smarter, faster, and more personalized banking experiences” by investing in advanced digital ca- pabilities. This customer-centric phi- losophy ensures that while new tech tools are introduced, the human ele- ment of service is not lost. In practice, customers now enjoy the conven- ience of digital banking – like instant payments or account services via their smartphone – while also having the assurance of face-to-face support when needed. It is this blending of high-tech and high-touch service that defines Ahlibank’s approach to mod- ern banking. PERSONAL BANKING EXPERIENCE AND CUSTOMER FOCUS Even as Ahlibank embraces cutting- edge technology, it continues to pride itself on offering a personal, relation- ship-driven banking experience. The bank’s motto of providing “the most personal banking experience” is more than just a slogan – it is reflected in how Ahlibank treats its clients. AlE- frangi has noted that engaging closely with customers and giving them indi- vidualized attention has been a key differentiator for Ahlibank. In an era when many banks are cutting back on branch services, Ahlibank maintains a solid physical presence (a network of 11 branches and 92 ATMs across Qatar) to ensure customers can reach real bankers when they need to. This network is complemented by rela- tionship managers and customer serv- ice teams that focus on understanding clients’ needs, whether retail or cor- porate, and providing tailored solu- tions. Under AlEfrangi’s guidance, customer the BANKING EXECUTIVE 10 ISSUE 202 OCTOBER 2025